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Team FIN favorites

Wayne Wenzel | Apr 01, 2003

It wasn't easy to pick just a few items from the hundreds displayed at this year's National Farm Machinery Show. So we turned several Team FIN farmers loose on the task. Here's what grabbed their attention on the show floor.

FAST TRACTOR

The new 3220 Fastrac has a turbocharged, 220-gross-hp, 5.9-l Cummins engine that's comfortable working in the field or flying down the road at speeds of up to 40 mph.

The Tier II compliant engine has an air-to-air charge cooler, offering strong torque at low revolutions. An electronically controlled Bosch radial piston pump provides clean running and fast power delivery. The variable horsepower system has two separate power curves to ensure optimum performance at both highway and field speeds.

Standard Field Speed Control (FSC) allows the driver to set engine rpm to a desired level, increasing or decreasing the setting via a rocker switch. The operator then can activate or deactivate the field speed with the flick of a second switch when entering or leaving a working environment. The FSC is especially useful when using the PTO. The Fastrac design allows implements to be mounted on the front, rear, or rear deck.

SMALL TRACTOR

Manufactured in China, Eagle KM series tractors come with Deutz-built 80- or 100-hp engines. The company bills the Eagles as economical tractors with a surprising number of features. Both models come standard with a shock-absorbing suspended cab. KM series 80-hp models are available as 2-wd or 4-wd. A permanently engaged synchro-spiral gearbox ensures easy shifting in 27 forward and nine reverse speeds. There's also a two-speed PTO.

NO-TILL SEEDER

Better than a drop seeder, the Versa-Drill incorporates seed into the ground for less waste and better germination. The unit is designed to pull behind an ATV or small tractor for seeding waterways and wildlife food plots. All ground-engaging components are rolling, with no shanks to drag trash. The seed-metering system accommodates a wide variety of seed sizes. Several models are available with choices of a 12v hydraulic lift, manual winch or 3-pt.-hitch lift system. Weight is approximately 750 lbs.

WIRE-FEED SPOOL GUN

Wire-feed welders are gaining in popularity with farmers, and this 80-amp gasless wire feed with spool gun got lots of looks at Louisville. The Century 83076 welds 18-gauge sheet metal or up to 3/16-in. steel. The spool gun is designed for extended reach (12 to 18 ft.) and better welding performance. This model plugs into a standard 120v, 15-amp outlet and uses .030-in. flux-cored steel welding wire for welding without shielding gas. You can select four different voltage settings.

HOSE REPAIR

Fix hydraulic hose end fittings in the field. The 1434 hose assembly system provides a complete set of tools to let you make end replacements without removing the entire hose assembly. The 3-lb. kit repairs ¼- to ¾-in. hoses. Tools include a crimper, hacksaw, 4-in. caliper, hose end holder, ½-in. wrench, Teflon tape, 3-in. clamp and carrying case. The kit shown is this photo has a special military-issue case. Kits for farmers have the same tools in a slightly different case.